Sarge In Charge's comeback at Doomben will come under greater scrutiny following trainer Liam Birchley's decision to abandon a Group One Newmarket Handicap start with stablemate Paprika.Sarge In Charge resumes in Wednesday's Carlton Mid Plate (1030m) after completing a mandatory ban after the gelding bled last start in the Listed Clamms Seafood (1100m) at Caulfield in August.Paprika was given the green light to head to Melbourne for the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) down Flemington's straight six n

Sarge In Charge's comeback at Doomben will come under greater scrutiny following trainer Liam Birchley's decision to abandon a Group One Newmarket Handicap start with stablemate Paprika.

Sarge In Charge resumes in Wednesday's Carlton Mid Plate (1030m) after completing a mandatory ban after the gelding bled last start in the Listed Clamms Seafood (1100m) at Caulfield in August.

Paprika was given the green light to head to Melbourne for the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) down Flemington's straight six next month following a recent barrier trial win at Doomben.

However, Birchley wasn't satisfied with the mare's recovery and has called an immediate halt to her campaign.

Paprika hurt herself when winning the Bat Out Of Hell at the Gold Coast on January 1 when she collected a fence on the way back to the enclosure.

"Paprika's not going to Melbourne now. She came through the trial only fair and she hasn't improved that much," Birchley said.

"I'll give her a break again now and bring her back for the spring.

"She'll have some X-rays taken while she's out but I don't think the injury will affect her career. It's just bad luck."

While disappointed to lose his stable star, Birchley hopes Sarge In Charge can fill the breach.

"Sarge In Charge looks well placed tomorrow and the rain we've had should help," Birchley said.

Birchley planned to give the four-year-old a barrier trial ahead of the gelding's return but was barred from trialling him at Doomben earlier this month until he galloped in front of stewards.

"I wasn't overly concerned missing the barrier trial that day as he still galloped over 1000 metres," Birchley said.

"I'm happy with his progress and I'm hoping he can win but I'll be just as happy to see him running on."

Birchley has not pencilled in any specific race for Sarge In Charge this campaign and hasn't ruled out a trip to Sydney for the autumn.

"There's a couple of stakes races over 1000 metres thatshould suit him in Sydney," he said.

"If he goes well he could even go for the Galaxy."

The Group One The Galaxy (1100m) will be run at Randwick on April 16.